HERO INITIATIVE ADDS DICK GIORDANO AWARD TO HARVEY AWARDS CEREMONY

August 23, 2010

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 23, 2010) – The Hero Initiative, the
charitable organization dedicated to helping veteran comic creators in medical
or financial need, is honoring one of comics' greatest gentlemen with a special
award in his name.

The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will
make its debut at the Harvey Awards Banquet at the Baltimore Comicon Aug. 28-29.
Giordano, who passed away in early 2010, was part of Hero Initiative's Board of
Directors. He was also a legendary artist, a guiding force at Charlton Comics
and DC Comics for many years, a mentor to his colleagues, and a friend to all
who knew him. His legacy epitomizes the caring and commitment Hero Initiative
strives to achieve. In honor of Dick, The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year
Award will recognize one person in comics each year who has demonstrated the
generosity and integrity Dick brought to the charity and to the comic book
community at large.

"So many people have referred to Dick as 'The Great
Gentleman of Comics', and I'm sure he'd love to see his name and legacy carried
on, especially in such a wonderful way that honors others who have shown
kindness and generosity," said Pat Bastienne, Giordano's longtime friend and
co-worker and now the executor of Giordano's estate. "If Dick were here, he'd
raise a Rob Roy and toast the idea."

"As both a fan and a friend of Dick
Giordano, I'm honored that this award bearing his name will be given out at the
Baltimore convention" said Baltimore Comicon owner/operator Marc Nathan. "We're
pleased to be a part of keeping Dick's everlasting legacy going."